Hi, this is Mary here at Base Camp.
Paul and Fiona’s Progress
Paul and Fiona are safely ensconced at Camp 2. They had hoped to be further up the mountain by now, but the weather changed and according to the latest forecasts they will have to wait a few more days for a better weather window before moving on.
Weather
The weather changed here too and it started snowing last night during dinner and snowed all night. I added an extra layer (if that was possible!) and was quite warm during the night. (What must it be like up at Camp 2???) It must have been very cold in the tent though because not only did my waterbottle freeze, but so did my facial wipes and toothpaste! (Have you ever tried to wash yourself with a frozen facial wipe?) I will put them in my sleeping bag tonight as I do my camera every night. Talking of cameras, a very big thanks to Amelia for lending me her camera. It has been fantastic thanks. Sorry I haven’t mastered the art of sending some of these great photos.
When I woke up this morning, there was 6 inches of snow outside. Everything was covered in white – very pretty.
2 Way Radio
Base Camp is in constant contact with the climbers by 2 way radio so I can speak to P&F any time I like which is great.
Herald Sun
Paul and Fiona were interviewed yesterday by the Melbourne Herald Sun for a feature article in Saturday’s paper. (Thanks Nick for setting this up) As we don’t get the papers delivered here, I’ll have to wait until I get home to see it!
Your Messages
Congrats Dad on such a good golf score – hope the new clubs enable you to keep playing like that!
Tim and Inna – Thanks for your message, glad you like it.
Happy Birthday to Lee and the two Christines.
Tony – Hope you are feeling ok.
Thanks Neil and Margaret – it is a real privilege to be here.
Thanks again for all the messages.
Cheers
Mary
Hello Mary,
both Paul and Fiona must be so happy to have you close at hand. Enjoy your stay at EBC. Keep warm!
Liz
ps. Yes! I have tried to clean up with frozen wipes! 😉 Brrrrrrrr!
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Glad to hear you’re keeping up the grooming standards despite such difficulties Mare! Knowing that a weather-induced delay was always on the cards doesn’t make it easy to endure I suspect but just think of how your musical knowledge must be increasing! Here’s hoping climbing will be possible for P & F again soon…Love Anne and Ronnie, Melbourne, Oz xx
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Hi there Mary. We are following your adventures. You’ll never be worried about being cold on a yacht again after the testing cold of last night!!What layers you need to wear. We are thinking about Paul and Fiona and especially the patience they are required to have now. good fortune to all three.
Jane and John.
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Hi Mare,I am so happy it’s you up there in the clouds, frozen wipes would be the end of me,not to mention fingers and toes. Johnny popped in today and had me all set for Sunday, a great lesson in Buddhist Patience!. The three of you are amazing, setting a very high bar for those of us on electric blankets! Thinking of you constantly Mare and sending much love.xx
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Dear Mary,
We are glad to hear from you from up there at the Base Camp. You are an amazing traveler. Wish you to stay warm and looking forward for your updates.
Love, Tamara and Boris.
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Hello Mary
One more layer!!! I love it. You must be the warmest person at BC during the cold nights. And the smartest! Thanks again, for helping to keep us informed. MC
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Too bad about the weather. I hope it clears up soon for you to climb again.
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Hi Mary
Thanks for your messages.Looking forward to seeing your photos when you return. They sound amazing.
Must be a challenge cleaning your teeth with frozen toothpaste, not to mention face wipes!! Your camping trips will never be the same again!!
Keep well and keep warm
Love Glenda
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Wow you guys are awesome! Our Aunt Donna told us about your climb and site. We (mom, dad and 3 kids) are so amazed at your courage, efforts and your smart planning and decisions. We all stay tuned to see what is happening. Best of luck, bon courage!
The Dells
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Hi Mary,
We are enjoying all your stories about the extra layer, the frozen facial wipe, and all the other cold challenges 🙂 It’s nice to have the “laymen’s” perspective on life at BC. You are doing so well!
Paul and Fiona,
We are wishing you good weather and lots of patience. We also loved the photo of Fiona with the keyboard! I’ve been wondering how you are typing up all these very well written updates on a little keyboard… now it all makes sense.
Love, Inna and Tim.
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Paul & Fiona – great to hear of your progress. Let’s hope that the weather improves in the coming days so that you can advance to the top!! We’re all so excited and waiting to hear the words – ‘we made it’. Back here, we are off to new zealand for a week to attend a wedding in auckland. Really looking forward to the break – but we will eagerly read the updates each day praying for perfect climbing weather!! good luck
Jordan & Eliza
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Hi Paul & Fiona,
Thanks for such a great site. It’s a blast following everyone’s progress. Wishing you the absolute best on your summit day.
Jim Gagne- Hi Jim! We’re pulling with you every step of the way. You’re awesome man!
John & June
PS Still rooting for our first NH native- From a fellow NH native-June
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Hi Mary,
Enjoying your commentaries from Base Camp – Fiona’s latest ABC interview was very instructive on how to pee at 8,000 feet! I look forward to the daily updates especially as things are getting so close to the assault on the summit. Taker care and lots of love,
Jono & Karen
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Hello Paul and Fiona
I’ve been following your adventure for the last couple of weeks – and have enjoyed reading about what’s happening. I guess you must be a little disappointed to have to wait a while now before you can go for the summit – but waiting is climbing too, I guess. It’s a zen thing. When you do go, I’ll be rooting for you – along with loads of others.
Best wishes
Christopher
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Hello Mary,
You’re perfect for the “anchor” role at Base Camp – amazing work and coordination! Watching every step, every day. I wish I was with you.
Jeannette on Vancouver Island.
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I have been enjoying your descriptive messages from Everest. I thank both of you for giving me a “close-up” and “real-time” detail of what you and others have been encountering on the mountain. You have been generous enough to allow strangers (like me) to be invited into your website. THANKS! I wish you the best on your summit attempt and a special hello to Jim Gagne. A person with a heart of gold like Jim, looking out for others, deserves, and I believe will see good things come his way on that mountain. Good luck and stay safe..
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Hi, hang in there. I know it is tough right now and you *may* feel some pressure but follow your instincts. They have proven correct thus far.There is still a lot of time available – almost two weeks. Relax, have fun and remember and enjoy where you are. The mountain will always be there…
Alan
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G’day groovers, your sound so cool and solid in terms of all the decisions you are making, keep up the amazing mental and physical strength. I’m typing to you from the library in Carlton, I’m about to head off for a social yoga gathering nearby. The trees around here look beautiful all the leaves turning different shades and slowing drifting to the ground. I’m soaking up the weekend and doing my best to live in the moment – something you guys are now doubt consumate at by now! I can’t wait to see you both back here. I’m sending all plenty of positive thoughts your way. Love Kerry
PS Our trip to UK and NY is shaping up, plenty of work for me to do in terms of getting the tour firmed up. We’re even planning a holiday with a trip to Mexico at the end.
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Fiona and Paul,
Great to hear your stories about being on Everest! You seem to be doing quite well. All the best to you on your climb!
Give Dan a hug for me when you see him and let him know how much I love him and am proud of him.
We are all watching in great anticipation for you all to summit.
Cheers
Deb
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Hi Mary, great to hear your updates.
I am in awe of your computer skills.
I spoke to John and he explained to me about posting on the current day.
So here goes.
A certain song keeps going round in my head when I think of you ‘I’m sitting on top of the world’, you are doing a wonderful job in so many ways. Sharing it with us all is such a special thing, and some of the inspiration that is flowing off that mountain into people’s lives may have results we may never know about.
What wonderful inner strength Paul and Fiona are showing, patience can be a huge test for anyone and they are leading the way. Their humour and smiles would brighten anyone’s day.
I’m glad we didn’t have frozen wipes on our camps Mary. It’s lucky you are an iceberger!
You are in my thoughts a lot Mare, you are not so far away when I can look at the moon at know we can share that experience, except you’re just a bit closer to it. (Remember the book, ‘My father’s moon’?
Good wishes to Fiona and Paul for the next few days and the summit attempt soon.
Love and special hugs for a very special lady
Kathy
xxx
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You guys are tough. How do you keep your cell phones operable for the duration? good luck.
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